***
For MEI, even encountering kidnappers wouldn’t be strange. After all, her father was a globally renowned electromagnetic physicist, and as his daughter, although MEI’s value might not compare to those of financial conglomerate heirs, it was still enough to attract the attention of some people with ulterior motives.
But—
“How about we do something more convincing?”
When that strange girl who called herself Elysia from Fire Moth leaned close to her ear and spoke these words in an extremely ambiguous tone.
MEI had to admit, this was the most flustered she had ever been in her entire life.
Holy crap, yuri!
This term she had only heard in passing, she never expected that someone like her, who only focused on studying, would actually encounter it!
This, this, how should she respond to this?
No matter how high MEI’s intelligence was, facing Elysia’s advance at this moment left her somewhat at a loss.
“As expected, MEI’s shy appearance is much cuter~”
“I’ve captured this moment. The future Dr. MEI looking so bashful is quite rare to see.”
Moving from behind her to in front of MEI in one fluid motion, the agile girl used her hands to mimic a camera, freezing this moment in a “photograph.” This seemingly playful act was Jiang Qiao’s application of the power of Origin.
But more than that, a word that slipped from his mouth caught MEI’s attention, making that bashful expression quickly fade away.
In terms of self-control, even though she was still immature, she already showed glimpses of the MEI who would one day lead humanity against Honkai.
“Future?”
“Mm-hmm~ If I said I came from the future, would you believe me, MEI~”
The pink-haired girl sat down next to MEI with great familiarity. Perhaps due to her previous action, MEI’s face reddened slightly again at such close proximity, but she spoke with utmost seriousness:
“…Emotionally speaking, I feel what you’re saying is true, but reason tells me this is impossible.”
She was willing to believe the sincerity Jiang Qiao displayed, but couldn’t believe such a thing could exist.
Because this was completely overturning everything she had learned.
“Eh, was Dr. MEI originally such a rule-abiding existence?”
“I don’t know what you’re referring to, but I’m just a human after all. Human power has its limits.”
MEI wasn’t affected by this somewhat flattering statement, remaining humble and objective.
Then, she asked in return:
“However, you called me Doctor, which means… we’re companions?”
“So you believe what I said?”
“…Perhaps. There are too many unsolved mysteries in this world.”
The bespectacled girl looked up at the sky. Though it wasn’t yet evening, she could already see the faint stars hidden behind the sun. Gazing at those stars, she spoke:
“Although in the knowledge I possess, making time flow backward or traveling through time is absolutely impossible, the universe is so vast that trying to judge infinite possibilities with known knowledge is an extremely blind act.”
“You’re called… Elysia, right?”
“Mm-hmm~ You can call me that.”
The pink-haired girl smiled.
The consciousness, soul, or perhaps the core essence of this body should indeed be called Jiang Qiao.
But using Elysia’s name was fine too, since this body was indeed 【Elysia】.
Though revealing more detailed information to her would be fine as well.
However, keeping such trivial matters mysterious would be more interesting, wouldn’t it?
“Then I’ll call you Elysia…”
“Eh, calling me Ellie would be more intimate, right? I don’t mind~”
“Alright, I’ll use that name then.”
Although by Far East customs, such a form of address was somewhat too intimate, Dr. MEI wasn’t the type to follow rules rigidly and didn’t mind these small details.
“Though I know nothing about the future, if you’re from the future and deliberately sought me out at this moment, that means… in your judgment, you need the power of the present me?”
“I must remind you that I and the MEI from your impression might not be the same person. The current me cannot possibly do what the future me could do. If you’re seeking something from the present me, you’ll most likely be disappointed, Ellie.”
She accepted and processed information much faster than Jiang Qiao had expected.
She had even preliminarily determined his purpose for coming here and given warnings along with her personal assessment.
But regarding MEI’s almost self-deprecating words, Jiang Qiao didn’t mind and spoke frankly:
“It’s fine. You’re just an important puzzle piece in my plan’s blueprint.”
“Besides, if we wait for everything to happen naturally, it would be too late.”
“It seems our future isn’t very optimistic.”
With MEI’s wisdom, she could naturally hear his implied meaning. She rubbed her forehead and took the initiative to speak:
“Tell me a little about it. You don’t need to reveal too much.”
She didn’t demand that Jiang Qiao tell her everything he knew.
After all, information wasn’t something where knowing more was always better.
In fact, for some people, knowing certain information could be harmful rather than beneficial.
The sky gradually darkened.
MEI, who neglected exercise and focused on studying, wasn’t in good physical condition.
Combined with the approaching autumn and her light clothing, she unconsciously rubbed her shoulders.
However, the next moment, a warm garment was draped over MEI’s shoulders.
Meeting the pink-haired girl’s smiling eyes, though she wasn’t sure where this clothing came from, she didn’t ask further questions and instead took the initiative to invite:
“It’s getting rather late. Let’s go to my house to talk slowly.”
“Sure~”
There was no reason to refuse. Who could refuse a beautiful girl’s invitation to her home?
The two walked side by side, leaving Senba Academy. Under the dim streetlights, they looked particularly intimate.
Coincidentally, this scene fell into the eyes of a certain white-haired, shy big boy who happened to be passing by.
Kevin, who had instinctively wanted to go up and greet them, stopped when he saw MEI had company.
“Isn’t that the pretty girl Su and I met at the concert tour that day?”
Kevin had good eyesight and memory. Recognizing Jiang Qiao at a glance, he scratched his head.
Earlier, he had wanted to accompany MEI, but she had to write a paper.
Naturally, he couldn’t disturb her for that.
So Kevin thought that with MEI’s personality, she would definitely stay at school until very late.
He could wait around and then pretend to coincidentally meet her to walk her home.
He hadn’t expected that someone had already beaten him to MEI’s side.
…But at least
— It was just a girl.